Why Kingston as a tourism destination, some ask? In the middle of winter, when frozen friends seek out sun, sea and sand for a north coast vacation, we in the first city delight in hosting discerning visitors who come to this south coast capital to check out the heartbeat of Jamaica.

Preferring to relax in the cool hills which Neita's Nest offers, they immerse in the activities of the local birds, indoor and outdoor garden colours, coffee table books and art, then join the host and other guests for dinner and delightful conversation.

Recently, Clark University students hailing from Arizona and Greece, chose to stay away from the Spring Break hype of the north coast. Instead, they selected Neita's Nest for their bed and breakfast base, parked their rented car for half a day while they did a Kingston City Explorer, Jamaica Cultural Enterprises' signature tour, before venturing out on their own for the next couple of days.

And again, a NYC Senior doing African Studies opted to spend the vacation bonding with Mum, and together exploring our island; Kingston included. Carefully avoiding the madding Spring Break crowds, they checked in for a couple nights with plans to get to know our city. A visit to the National Gallery and a couple of museums (Bob Marley Museum and Marcus Garvey's Liberty Hall among them) were high on her list.

Port Antonio was next for them; the quieter side of the island, but not before taking the scenic drive up through Irish Town, Newcastle, passing Holywell Recreational Park and over to Buff Bay, touring the Blue Mountains range with its coffee farms.

No rum bars and beer joints for these students. They were here to imbibe in the history and culture of who we are as a people.